Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand
On our recent excursion to Bangkok, Thailand, Global Yodel spent a five-star holiday in the capital at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
Why do we love Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok?
The hotel is situated alongside the Chao Phraya River, featuring amazing views as the river bends through the staggering city skyline. From above, the bustling metropolis seems almost still if not peaceful. Leaving the hotel to take a walk down the busy Bangkok streets is another story entirely. Rest assured, you can sleep soundly in a plush, comfy bed while the city below rattles on, obstructed from hearing.
Enter the lobby and see the impressive and spacious Lobby Lounge with an up-close view of the river, live entertainment, ballroom dancers, and afternoon tea service. The décor features plush Thai accents, modern art, and a beautiful array of orchids for the anthophile in us all. The staff is warm and genuine; giving off that quintessential Thai vibe that can sometimes be less easy to come by in the big city.
Enjoy the varying styles of cuisine – from Thai to Chinese to Italian – at any of the nine restaurants on site but don’t miss out on the one-of-a-kind buffet breakfast at the NEXT2 Café. Choose from an array of exquisite international offerings made to perfection and go back for seconds, or thirds. As you enjoy your breakfast on the riverbank, watch the colorful long-tail boats, hyperactive fish and lizards splashing about, boats full of tourists en route to the many historical sites nearby, cargo ships, and vendors floating along to sell their goods. It is truly an experience for the senses.
Cool down by the pool for a bit of respite between excursions to any of the nearby points of interests including open-air markets, the Grand Palace, or the ornate and intricately constructed temples. Set just next to the river you can unwind, take a dip to wash away the intensity of the city, and lounge the day away while still somehow being in the center of it all.
Shangri-La Hotel can accommodate families, the business traveler, or longer-term residents. And when we say accommodate, we mean it in the grandest sense of the word. This hotel is truly a five-star urban retreat.
We sat down with Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Director of Communications, Rashana Pimolsindh and asked her about life in Bangkok and the hotel.
Name: Rashana Pimolsindh
Place you live: Bangkok
Occupation: Director of Communications, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Can you sum up Bangkok? Bangkok is a journey through the five senses because visiting the City of Angels is the most incredible sensory experience.
What are the people of Bangkok like in comparison with the rest of Thailand? Since the past until present, Bangkok is a city of people with different nationalities and origins. The historical background, economy and social development has made Bangkok to standout among other provinces in Thailand, or even other cities in the world. Bangkok has kept the uniqueness of its citizens and it is the citizens of Bangkok who helps in the development of the city. It is typical that citizens of other provinces would come to work and look for a better future in Bangkok. On the other hand, citizens of Bangkok go to other provinces to travel and relax.
Tell us about Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, a city resort in the heart of Bangkok, offers 802 luxurious rooms and suites, nine restaurants and bars, business and leisure facilities with advanced telecommunication systems, as well as CHI The Spa at Shangri-La, the first superlative spa of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, offering luxury and serenity in the calm surroundings.
Tell us a little about the history of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok opened in August 1986 in a prime location on the famous Chao Phraya River and has the longest river frontage of .3164 kilometers or a quarter of mile. The hotel is the only riverside hotel with Saphan Taksin Skytrain station a few steps away from the hotel’s Krungthep Wing entrance.
What is a perfect day at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok? Staying in one of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok’s Executive River View Suites and enjoy fantastic views of the Chao Phraya River while spending hours watching the changing colors of the Bangkok skyline. Then, having breakfast with panoramic river view at the Horizon Club Lounge on the 24th floor of the hotel’s Shangri-La Wing. During the day, you can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, work out in the 8,500 square feet gym space overlooking the Chao Phraya River or pampering yourself at CHI, The Spa. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at Salathip Thai Restaurant or international buffet dinner plus the splendid view of Bangkok by night aboard the Horizon Cruise.
What is a little-known fact about Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok? Convenient skytrain, expressway and river access make getting around town from Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok fast and easy.
What is your favorite aspect of living in Bangkok? Bangkok is a truly cosmopolitan and vibrant city and internationally known as a paradise for great shopping, dining, enjoying its cultural heritage and sightseeing to explore local people’s lifestyle.
shangri-la.com/bangkok/shangrila
City:Bangkok
Name:
Rashana Pimolsindh
Best place to eat:
Salathip Thai Restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok where diners can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in traditional Thai-style teak pavilion or by the terrace next to the Chao Phraya River. Chao Phraya River is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya is a major transportation artery for a vast network of river buses, cross-river ferries and water taxis, also known as longtails. More than 15 boat lines operate on the rivers and canals of the city including commuter lines.
Best place to drink:
Two venues of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok: NEXT2 Cafe’s bar for an extensive selection of beverages with grand river views in relaxed setting or the Lounge Bar of Volti ristorante & bar for indulging in signature drinks and a wide range of cocktails and spirits while listening to a variety of live music in comfortable chairs and cushions.
Best place to shop:
Jim Thompson Museum – a museum gift shop for the famous Thai Silk and the amazing Chatuchak Market (or Weekend Market) – one of the shopping wonders of Bangkok. Going to Jim Thompson Museum and Chatuchak Market by taking Skytrain at Saphan Taksin Station near the hotel’s Krungthep Wing would take 15 minutes and 35 minutes respectively.
Local tip:
Have a good map of Bangkok as street names may be confused to visitors. They should also have bottles of drinking water when planning to explore the city, as weather of Bangkok (Thailand) may be very hot for some visitors.
What to avoid:
First, traffic during peak hours of Bangkok is rather heavy, same of other big cities in many countries; therefore, visitors must plan well before touring the city. Also, taxi drivers in Thailand are notorious for ripping off tourists. Whenever you hail a cab, insist that they turn on their meter. They will often try to negotiate a flat rate so do not accept it. They know what it will cost by meter, and the reason they want to charge a flat rate is so they can get more out of you.